Time to take stock

Walking through the garden you will notice plants that did not survive the severe winter weather. It is now time to be ruthless with the dieback that spoils the appearance of a midsummer border.

Cistus ladanifera, from seed collected in Spain. This plant is doing its best to show face. The large white paper petals and mass of yellow anthers are a delight but the base of the trunk shows severe bark split. The flowers and few leaves will soon shrivel, there is minimal water flowing through the cells upwards from the roots. Time to grub this out.

Eucalyptus coccifera is more resilient. The foliage was desiccated by the cold winter winds and some frost split on the bark is evident. However these Australian plants are used to bush fires tearing through and drying out all aerial parts. Regeneration occurs from the base of the trunk, making a multi stemmed specimen in later years. As can be seen in the image this is exactly what is happening to this specimen, a multitude of buds have burst to give rise to fresh growth. One clean cut with a bow saw will allow this growth to reclaim the space.

Look through your plant collection and deal with similarly affected plants. Use the opportunity to replant as necessary.